Autozine – Review: Nissan Qashqai

By enhancing the appearance! Nissan currently offers four SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles): the iconic Juke, the modern Ariya, the large X-Trail and the mid-range Qashqai. Especially because the Qashqai increasingly took on the role of a functional mid-range model over the years, its appearance also became slimmer and more attractive.

With the arrival of the third generation (2021), the design was improved and Nissan is going one step further for the 2024 model year. The grille has become wider, giving the car a bigger “face” and a naturally stronger appearance. Details give the new Qashqai a further upgrade. The grille is not only large, but also has a refined design. This pattern is also displayed on the headlights, making it appear as if the grille lights up when the headlights are on. Very good, a little different from the Korean competition.

The rear lights have been modified and, depending on the version chosen, have a special or very special design. The new version is “intense red”, which makes the rear lights more visible than before. The new two-tone color version also gives the Qashqai a more stylish look. The new N-Design version has a black roof, black window pillars, black mirror caps and matching rims with black accents.

Internal affairs

Nissan hasn’t just merged a passenger car with an SUV to create a special look. The aim was also to provide more interior space while maintaining the same height. The competition sometimes forgets this by rushing to bring similar models to the market, but Nissan has always remained true to its own concept. The third generation Qashqai is therefore also very spacious for a car of this size.

“Thanks to the new grille, new trim and new paint, the Qashqai has been given a more powerful character and that’s exactly what the model needed.”

The interior has been designed differently for the 2024 model year. New materials have been used to cover the seats, dashboard and gear lever. Depending on the version chosen, this is Alcantara or vegan leather; the latter to reduce CO2 emissions during production. New designs on the dashboard and glove box hint at traditional Japanese craftsmanship. According to Nissan, all these modifications would make the Qashqai a “premium” product. During this first introduction to the studio, the main impression is that the Qashqai has gained more character and is not a forgotten “middle model”.

Equipment

The reason why many cars are being renewed now is the European Union’s requirement to greatly expand the number of safety features. This often requires an entirely new electronic brain, so car manufacturers take the opportunity to modernize other components as well. The Qashqai was already available with cameras all around to make parking easier. Thanks to the new software, images can now be displayed from eight points based on four cameras, as well as a 3D view and an “invisible hood”. If the car is always parked in the same place, the computer can learn the trick and from now on park itself in a garage or permanent parking bay.

Security features are not only extensive. Better sensors and smart software will also ensure that driver aids work more precisely from now on. Thanks to the so-called “driver preferences”, settings can be combined and it is possible to switch various safety features on or off at the touch of a button.

Nissan is no longer working on its audio, communication and navigation system, but will now use Google Automotive. This means better navigation with Google Maps, smart Google Assistant and all smartphone data is always close at hand. At least, for Android phone users. Anyone who owns an Apple phone relies on Apple CarPlay. In both cases, there are privacy concerns, because Google Automotive cannot go outside and is always following the driver in the background. Google can only be “blocked” by rejecting the general terms and conditions and not giving permission for data connection, but then the whole car option is limited. Nissan promises that the hardware used is strong enough to process software updates for at least 5 years. After that, it is unlikely that the system built is no longer adequate and / or can no longer work. Compare this to a mobile phone whose hardware is no longer good enough for the latest software after a few years.

Driving habits

The engine and chassis are unchanged for the 2024 model year. As before, the Qashqai is available with conventional combustion engines and hybrid and exclusive technology. “e-Power” run. The latter has a small gasoline engine that supplies electricity to an electric motor. That is why this engine can always run at a better speed and therefore more efficient. Because the electric motor provides real motion, e-Power offers the flexibility and discretion of an electric vehicle. Even driving with one pedal is possible! One promise from Nissan has not been fulfilled: the e-Power is not more economical than a full hybrid (but it is more economical than a hybrid).

The Qashqai benefits from Nissan’s latest SUV platform and it shows. The road holding is almost the same as that of a regular passenger car (read: ground). Furthermore, the Qashqai is lively and powerful for an SUV. This is thanks to precise steering and an encouraging chassis.

Conclusion

Could the Nissan Qashqai better differentiate itself from the competition thanks to a facelift for the 2024 model year? Without doubt. Qashqai is not only a mid-size SUV, but also a mid-range model within the Nissan range. Thanks to the new grille, new decorations and new colors, the Qashqai has been given a more powerful character and that’s what the model needed.. This applies only to the exterior, the cabin has also been given more appeal thanks to new materials and textures.

From the 2024 model year, the Qashqai will meet the requirements set by the European Union from 2024. At the same time, the existing safety features have been made more accurate (better sensors, smarter software). The infotainment system now uses Google Automotive. That’s good news for performance, but it raises concerns about privacy and future proofing.

When it comes to driving characteristics, everything has remained the same. The Qashqai is available as a compact hybrid and as an exclusive e-Power. The latter offers many advantages of electric driving (stability, flexibility, performance, one-pedal operation), but draws energy from gasoline instead of plugging it. Handling is excellent and remains. In short: not the revolution of 2007, but a welcome reform for 2024.